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Do You Really Have To Stay At A Job For One Year?

My last job required me to sign a two-year commitment. And while a professional obligation for that length of time might scare some people, I was actually thrilled.

Because at that point in my career, despite the classic adage that you should spend at least one year in a position, I had yet to spend 12 months at the same company.

My reasons varied, and to be honest, some were better than others. So take it from someone who has been there and left a few jobs—there are times when you can justify a short stint (to yourself and future employers) and times when you really should stick it out if you can. Unsure which category your situation falls into? Read on to find out.

It’s OK to Leave When: The Job Won’t Make it to Your Resume

When a former boss gives you a recommendation, you hope he or she will sing your praises, using words like “dedicated” and “professional” to describe you. And, let’s face it: Leaving several months after taking a job can definitely sour a manager’s opinion of you.

But that’s not necessarily something you need to fret over if you don’t plan on including this job on your future resume. Say, for example, you’re in the nannying job from hell—but only to pay the bills while you simultaneously take on an unpaid internship. You don’t need to list the former on your resume, so it’s okay to end things two months shy of a year for the sake of your sanity (no matter what Mrs. X thinks).

Exception:You’ll beBurning Bridges in the Industry

There’s no harm in an early exit from a job you never plan to mention again—for the most part. But if your boss is well-connected across your industry or you’ve built your professional network through work-related contacts and events, you should think twice between ducking out shy of a year.

Why? Because it’s a small world. And even if you send out your resume sans current job, the hiring manager may put in a call to his or her acquaintance (a.k.a., your boss) to get some unofficial scoop. And you definitely don’t want to be known as the employee who left your team in the lurch.

It’s OK to Leave When: You’re Underutilized

Sometimes an organization just doesn’t have the funds, staff, or bandwidth to support you. Imagine, for example, that you were hired to help the company expand overseas, but a recent change in leadership means all efforts moving forward will be focused domestically.

If you’re spending your days just trying to find ways to be productive, you have every right to pursue new opportunities. Of course, this should be the last resort (the first being discussions with your superior about other responsibilities or roles you could take on). But if you both know that this isn’t the right place for you, it’s okay to move on sooner than you’d originally planned.

Exception: You’ve Never Told Your Boss

You don’t have enough work. You’re bored and miserable.And everyone knows—everyone meaning your mom, your roommate, and your cat. Because when those weekly one-and-one meetings with your supervisor fell by the wayside, you never rescheduled them. Come on, she must know that sending you one report a week to proofread couldn’t possibly fill more than your Monday morning—right?

Wrong. Sure, a good manager keeps tabs on what his or her employees are working on, but if you really are bored out of your mind, it’s your job to speak up and try to resolve the situation. Stick around and give your current company a chance to make you happy. Who knows: It just might.

It’s OK to Leave When: Your Dream Job Awaits

We all have one: the dream job. The public or political figure you’d move across the country for, that fellowship that would take you abroad. I remember seeing charity: water’s 2009 World Water Day video during a YouTube presentation at a conference that year and thinking: Wow, if I ever qualify for a position at that organization, I’m applying!

Believe me: Dream jobs don’t come every day. So, if you have a chance at yours, take it.

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